Wiggums Hollow Park in North Everett, lovingly designed and refurbished with the participation of local Hawthorne Elementary children several years ago, is falling prey to vandals and litterers with disturbing frequency these days.
As a neighbor of the park, I walk my dog there daily, morning and night. This past Saturday, well after the 10 p.m. closing time, a youthful “car party” was in full swing in the parking area, complete with loud music. They seemed to be gathering no attention or complaints from the folks who live across from the park, so, no harm done, right? Wrong. Next day, I noted that the grass, sidewalks, and road were liberally strewn with their discarded garbage, 20 yards from a waste container.
On Monday morning, I made my way toward that same container to dispose of my pooch’s offering, only to find that this sturdy concrete and stone receptacle had been wrestled to a flight of steps and thrown down them, smashing it into chunks now scattered over the walkway. Not too much garbage, however, since its purpose appears lost on most individuals. I understand the garden area at the western end of the park has been equally mistreated in recent days.
The Parks Department does an admirable job of maintaining Wiggums Hollow, with regular mowing and clean-up. No blame goes their way because they are fighting a losing battle. It is time for a little self-policing to be instilled in our children. Perhaps a few reminders should be given the students of Hawthorne and other nearby schools that the park is a place for everyone to use and not abuse. Perhaps it would pay to erect signs in the various languages with stern warnings of the penalties attached to littering. And maybe Everett’s finest could roll by more often to inform after-hours visitors that the park is now closed.
Marjorie Heidrich
Everett
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